CoHNA Applauds Mathura Sridharan's Appointment as Ohio SG, Denounces Hinduphobic Backlash

The targeting of the new Solicitor General for wearing a bindi echoes the 'dotbuster' attacks of the 1980s and reflects a rising wave of anti-Hindu, anti-immigrant hate in America today.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) congratulates Ms. Mathura Sridharan on her appointment as Ohio's 12th Solicitor General. A proud Hindu and the daughter of immigrants from India, her rise to one of the state's top legal positions is a testament to America's meritocratic ideals. Ms. Sridharan's qualifications—academic degrees from top-ranking universities, a distinguished legal career, and a stellar record of public service—speak for themselves.

However, what should have been a moment of celebration for Ohioans and for Hindus across the U.S. was marred by a wave of racist and Hinduphobic vitriol against Ms. Sridharan, as we pointed out in our post on X. Much of the backlash focused on her name, complexion, and faith—especially her wearing of the bindi, a sacred symbol of Hindu identity, in her official portrait. That such a simple expression of religious and cultural pride could spark outrage is both disturbing and revealing.

Unfortunately, these attacks are not new. From the Dotbusters gang of the 1980s, who targeted Hindu women for wearing bindis and saris on the streets of New Jersey to today's digital mobs, the threat of Hinduphobia remains unabated. Only now, it has merged with a growing wave of anti-immigrant sentiment—where even the most exceptional individuals are told they don't belong.

"That a distinguished public servant like Ms. Sridharan is being attacked for the color of her skin and the bindi on her forehead is shameful—and deeply un-American," said Nikunj Trivedi, President of CoHNA.  "Freedom of religion is a foundational principle of our great country, so it is shameful to see this targeting of American Hindus, be they US-born citizens or highly-skilled residents on visa.  The hatred we're seeing today runs counter to everything our country stands for."

CoHNA thanks Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for his clear and firm defense of Ms. Sridharan. We urge other elected officials, media leaders, and institutions to take Hinduphobia seriously and call it out—online or offline.

We urge lawmakers, law enforcement and media across the country to pay attention to this growing scourge  and work with Hindu organizations to tackle it.

Ms. Sridharan's appointment is a moment of pride. It should not be overshadowed by hate.

About CoHNA
CoHNA is a grassroots level advocacy and civil rights organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America by working on matters related to the Hindu community and by educating the public about Hindu heritage and tradition. For more information, please visit https://cohna.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and on Instagram.

SOURCE Coalition of Hindus of North America